Printer Friendly Version - The Guilford Foundation Kicks Off a Seven-Day Save the Shack Challenge

TGF Partners with Guilford Preservation Alliance to Fundraise for Grass Island Shack Restoration

The Guilford Foundation and the Guilford Preservation Alliance are teaming up for the Save the Shack Challenge Grant in an effort to raise money for the preservation of the iconic Grass Island Red Shack. Photo courtesy of The Guilford Foundation

The Guilford Foundation is matching donations dollar to dollar up to $7,500 for its Save the Shack Challenge Grant, which will be open until midnight on Monday, May 20. Photo courtesy of The Guilford Foundation

In support of the community's rally to restore the iconic Grass Island Red Shack, The Guilford Foundation (TGF), in collaboration with the Guilford Preservation Alliance (GPA), is launching the Save the Shack Challenge Grant. For the seven-day period of Monday, May 13 until midnight on Monday, May 20, TGF will match donations to repair the Red Shack, dollar for dollar, up to $7,500.

The estimated cost to repair the structure, which has been sitting in the same place on the East River for the last 73 years, is $75,000. The GPA quickly stepped up to coordinate the donations. The community can contribute through a PayPal donation link on the GPA website by visiting guilfordpreservation.org.

"We're grateful to the GPA for its quick action to preserve our beloved shack. Close to $19,000 has been raised to date thanks to incredibly generous neighbors and friends,” said Liza Janssen Petra, the executive director of TGF. “We believe in the power of our community and hope to tap into the momentum with our Save the Shack Challenge Grant. It's an opportunity for those who haven't contributed to double their impact and show support for the iconic structure."

In November 2023, the Town of Guilford allocated $15,000 in ARPA funding in to move the Grass Island Shack in order to address the erosion issue. The town secured permits, collaborated with regulatory agencies to ensure no impact on endangered species, and engaged contractors and engineers to coordinate the relocation. On April 11, a storm with extremely high winds and a lunar tide pushed the shack off its pilings and into the water.

"It's unfortunate that Mother Nature beat us to the punch. However, in a classic Guilford response, contractors Tom Tolla of Construction Services Unlimited and Mike Donofrio of East Guilford Construction volunteered to move the structure away from the water's edge to safety and install temporary pilings,” explained First Selectman Matt Hoey. “It's heartwarming to see the outpouring of community support for preserving this landmark for future generations."

GPA Treasurer Tim Sperry added the following thoughts on the preservation of the shack.

"The Guilford Preservation Alliance’s mission is to help conserve and protect historic buildings. The Red Shack is undoubtedly an important part of our town’s history,” said Sperry. “We're honored to spearhead the fundraising effort and excited to partner with TGF on their Save the Shack matching grant. We hope this campaign creates momentum to reach our $75,000 fundraising goal.”

The Guilford Foundation's Save the Shack Challenge Grant closes at midnight on May 20. All funds raised during the seven days will be matched dollar for dollar up to $7,500. Contributions are tax-deductible and will go directly to the Town of Guilford to restore and preserve the Grass Island Red Shack.

The shack is considered iconic and one of the East Coast's most photographed buildings. The Monroe Cottage was named after the family that had built the summer house in 1914. It was destroyed by fire in 1936. The existing structure was built in 1940, when it was moved to its current location. The family moved back to the cottage in the 1950s and sold the building and seven acres of Grass Island land for $15,000 in September 1965.

Maintenance has been a community effort coordinated by the Guilford Parks and Recreation Department over the years. In 2017, a local student, John Markowski, led the renovation of the structure for his Eagle Scout project. The Guilford Foundation supported Markowski’s efforts with a challenge grant and established the Grass Island Shack Fund to offset future maintenance costs in perpetuity.

TGF is a trusted philanthropic partner established in 1975, when five friends organized an effort to beautify the area around the Town Green. To ensure the perpetuity of their vision, the founders established a source for long-term funding. Over the past four decades, this endowment has expanded in scope and impact and now exceeds $6 million, awarding over $2.2 million in grants and scholarships. Areas of distribution include children and families, basic needs, mental health, youth and education, social services, social justice, seniors, natural environment, and arts and culture.

The mission of TGF is to enrich the quality of life in the community by connecting people who care with causes that matter, both now and for generations to come. TGF is recognized as a responsive, collaborative, and trusted leader that takes the long view toward making a lasting impact in the community.